December is not reserved for Christmas and Kwanzaa. Far from it. At this time of year individuals from our community receive the gift of knowledge–a diploma that signifies their hard work, determination and hopes for a brighter future. Two local institutions of higher learning bestowed this gift. (Top photo): Liberal Arts and Sciences students at MATC received their degrees during that school’s winter commencement ceremony at US Cellular Arena downtown. (Bottom photo): Black women graduates at Alverno College were bestowed Kente Cloths by family members who inspired them during the “Bestowing of the Kente” ceremony at the college’s Wehr Auditorium. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)